Soldier from Provo killed by suspected DUI driver
Jul 23, 2024, 10:19 PM | Updated: 10:24 pm
FILE — (KSL TV)
(KSL TV)
FAIRBANKS, AK — A U.S. soldier from Provo, UT was killed after he was hit by a woman suspected to be driving under the influence of alcohol Monday night, according to a release from the Fairbanks Police Department.
29-year-old Pfc. Arturo Alejandro Gomez was working as a gate guard at Ft. Wainwright in Alaska, when Brianna Lapp reportedly sped through an intersection, “driving through ditches and over medians. Lapp struck two vehicles and a traffic control sign before driving towards a construction area near the Ft. WW visitors center.”
Police said that Lapp drove through a portion of the fence, and struck Gomez.
At approximately 5:10 p.m., FPD reported they received calls from multiple witnesses that said three vehicles were involved in a collision, and that the suspect vehicle was stopped at the Ft. Wainwright main gate.
When the first FDP officer arrived, “several military personnel had their rifles pointed at a Toyota 4-Runer that had significant damage.” The car was stopped, with the driver’s side against a jersey barrier.
Behind the 4-Runner was Gomez, on the ground, who was pronounced dead at the scene, according to the release.
Police said Lapp’s breath alcohol content was “over three and a half times the legal limit,” at .299 brAC.
Lapp told police she did not remember hitting anyone.
Lapp was arrested for DUI and manslaughter. Police said they are not aware of any affiliation Lapp had with Ft. Wainwright.
“The death of this soldier was senseless and preventable,” FPD Chief Ron Dupee said. “I find it incredibly tragic that this young man, who joined the military service, was senselessly run down right here in the country that he signed up to protect. His life was taken away and this deeply impacts the entire Ft. Wainwright and Fairbanks community.”
Gomez joined the Army in July 2023. He trained at Fort Moore, Georgia, before reporting to Alaska in February 2024. He was an infantryman assigned to the 1st Battalion, 5th Infantry Regiment, 1st Infantry Brigade Combat Team, and the 11th Airborne Division.
